2018 marks the centenary of the death of Claude Debussy. Considered by some to be the father of modern music, Debussy’s highly original system of harmony and musical structure expressed in many respects the ideals to which the Impressionist and Symbolist movements of his time aspired. Alongside two shimmering masterpieces, La Mer and the celebrated Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, the Symphonic Fragments from Le Martyre de saint Sébastien receive loving attention from the distinguished musicians of the Philharmonia Orchestra – making their harmonia mundi label début – conducted by Maestro Pablo Heras-Casado.

International release: July 6, 2018

Critical acclaim

“Heras-Casado brings Boulezian analytical textures to the Saint Sébastien fragments and La Mer, but his emotional engagement in this music is far less restrained. The playing is magical.”

“In a recording made and released this year, Pablo Heras-Casado and the Philharmonia Orchestra offer a dazzling array of varied textures, with crystal-clear ppp timps at the beginning of i, a consistently active blend of timbres throughout the whole of ii and an impactful bass drum in iii, the work’s grand finale vying with the best for visceral excitement.”